Clipper New York & Glasgow ocean match racing

by Clipper Ventures Media on 1 May 2008 With more than 2000 nautical miles still to go in Race 9, New York and Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper appear to be glued together at the front of the fleet. New York has sailed well over the last 24 hours, briefly edging ahead of the Scottish entry, but since departing Liverpool last year the team onboard Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper has built a reputation for being very quick in the lighter winds. 'This could become the worlds longest match race!' jokes Hannah Jenner, skipper of Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, referring to the close racing and lighter winds presently being experienced in the race to Panama.

Joff Bailey, Race Director, says, 'Although New York and Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper are battling it out for pole position, Qingdao is in a strong position to take advantage of the moderate winds the fleet is currently experiencing. They will be the team to watch over the next day or so and could make a strong challenge for a podium position.'

Hull & Humber has had a very steady race so far, currently lying in third place, just seven nautical miles behind the race leader at the 1200 GMT schedule. Danny Watson, skipper of Hull & Humber, says, 'With cloudless blue skies and calm seas, this would be perfect cruising sailing weather. The lack of wind however makes for slightly frustrating racing conditions.'

Durban 2010 and Beyond and westernaustralia2011.com, who both selected a more inshore course a few days ago, have managed to maintain pace with the lead group. Despite this the two southern hemisphere teams will need to work hard to reduce the distance to the lead boats as they are likely to encounter lighter winds nearer the coast.

Joff says, 'At the moment all of the teams are experiencing moderate winds from the north which are forecasted to continue for the next 48 hours before reducing further. The teams are also benefiting from the south flowing California Current which will be in their favour until they are south of Baja California; then they will encounter the North Equatorial Current which flows at about half a knot in the opposite direction and is likely to impede their progress.'

Hampering the progress of westernaustralia2011.com yesterday was a large clump of kelp that became wrapped around the propeller shaft and rudder. Skipper of the WA entry, Martin Silk, says, 'A large clump of kelp wrapped itself around the rudder and propeller shaft of the BBB (Big Blue Boat), managing to hang on until well into the day. Boat speed took a hit and it was only when crew member John Kimber took his weekly bath off the transom that we noticed the large bunch of kelp. Boat hook in hand, John swiftly cut free the offending seaweed and we were off.'

Liverpool 08 is still suffering from the tactical decision to take a more offshore course in search of stronger winds. Despite being 150 nautical miles behind the lead boat at the 1200 GMT schedule, spirits remain high onboard the boat representing the north west of England. Ben Galloway, skipper of Liverpool 08, says, 'The wind seems to have filled in a bit now and we're making a much better speed which certainly makes the watches more enjoyable. Despite being in tenth place for a while spirits remain high and we are confident we will take out some boats soon and get more involved in the race. We were also the first boat to make it to the tropics which deserves a pat on the back!'


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